Calgary's Inaugural
Smokey
& Spicy
Caribbean Grill Festival · Jerk Chicken Edition
Scroll
Calgary's Inaugural
Caribbean Grill Festival · Jerk Chicken Edition
What is this
Smokey & Spicy is a food-first celebration of Caribbean grill culture, bringing together hand-selected chefs, restaurants, and caterers for one bold day of live-fire competition. No shortcuts. No compromises. Authentic Caribbean grilling, the way it was meant to be done.
Beyond the competition, immerse yourself in traditional Caribbean games like dominoes and ludi, soak in the sounds of the islands, and sample eats, sweets, and drinks rooted in culture and community.
What's happening
Local chefs and caterers battle it out on the grill for the title of Calgary's Jerk Champion. Real technique. Real smoke. Real heat.
Grab a passport and taste your way through 8 competing chefs. Cast your vote for People's Choice and help crown the champion.
DJ Gummi keeps the vibes authentic with a full day of Caribbean music to match the smoke and the spice.
Traditional Caribbean games including dominoes and ludi — community, competition, and culture all rolled into one.
Watch Irie Chef bring the technique to life with live cooking demonstrations showcasing the craft behind authentic jerk.
Eats, sweets, sauces, spices, and drinks — Caribbean vendors bringing the full flavour experience for you to explore.
Day of events
Doors Open · Festival Begins
Grills fire up. Vendors open. The smoke starts rising at Crossroads Market.
Tasting & Voting Open
Passport holders taste all 8 competing chefs and cast their People's Choice vote.
Live Music, Games & Demos
DJ Gummi on the decks. Caribbean games, cooking demonstrations by Irie Chef, and spice & sauce vendors on-site.
Championship Crowning Main Event
Celebrity judges and the People's Choice results combine to crown Calgary's first Jerk Champion.
Evening Celebration
Party continues with music, food, and the champion in the spotlight. Last call at 9 PM.
Your crew for the day
Drew Atlas
Master of Ceremonies
DJ Gummi
Music Master
Irie Chef
Culinary Host
Get involved
For Chefs & Caterers
Think you've got the best jerk in the city? Step into the smoke and prove it. Hand-selected chefs compete for the title before celebrity judges and a crowd of passionate food lovers. Spots are limited.
✓ Live competition platform
✓ People's Choice & Expert Judge scoring
✓ Festival promotion & visibility
✓ Champion trophy & recognition
For Food Lovers
Taste all 8 competing chefs and decide who has Calgary's best jerk. Your Tasting Passport gets you one sample from every chef in the competition — then vote for your People's Choice.
$20
8 chef tastings included · Limited quantity
✓ Taste all 8 competing chefs
✓ People's Choice vote included
✓ Discounted advance price on Eventbrite
✓ Available from March 1, 2026
Passports on sale March 1, 2026. Walk-up passports available at the door.
Find us here
We're setting up inside The Quonset at Crossroads Market — a beloved Calgary landmark in the heart of the city's south side.
Venue
The Quonset at Crossroads Market
1235 26th Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB
Date & Time
Saturday, April 4, 2026
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Admission
Free entry · Tasting Passports $20